Essay name: Arts in the Puranas (study)
Author:
Meena Devadatta Jeste
Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University / Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Pune
This essay studies the Arts in the Puranas by reconstructing the theory of six major fine arts鈥擬usic, Dance, Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, and Literature鈥攆rom the Major and Minor Puranas. This thesis shows how ancient sages studied these arts within the context of cultural traditions of ancient India.
Chapter 6 - Literature in the Puranas
14 (of 59)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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300
- the realization of Brahman ('Brahmasvada-Sahodara'). 29 The Agni Purana has given much importance to the discussion of Rasa theory. In Chapter 337, while discussing the characteristics of a Mahakavya the Purana states that 30 Rasa is the life. Chapter 339 is entirely devoted to
the exposition of the Rasa theory. Here also the Puranakara
has emphasized the importance of Rasa and stated that Kavya
without Rasa is not charming like wealth (Laksmi) without
renunciation (Ty膩ga). 31
Agni Purana has discussed the Rasa theory in 54
Verses. After the first twelve verses the nine Sthayibh膩vas,
eight Sattvikabh膩vas, and thirty three Vyabhicaribhavas are
enumerated upto verse 34. After this in twenty verses the
Vibhavas (determinants or the causes of psycological states,
Bhavas) are described in the context of the Srigara Rasa.
Following Bharata, the Agnipurana has admitted the
eight Rasas. The addition of the ninth Rasa Santa is a later
interpolation, because it does not go with the Rasa theory
discussed in the Purana. It looks like an unnecessary
appendage.
The Rasas mentioned are not independent entities.
The four Rasas namely Srigara, Raudra, V墨ra and Bibhatsa are
regarded as the basic Rasas and from them originated the other
four Rasas respectively - Hasya, Karuna, Adbhuta and
Bhayanaka. This also agrees with the Natyasastra. 32
Bhoja
